There will also be more of Hunji, such a mysterious character. I think he should get his own book, along with the rest of the knights and Tawny. What do you think? Who are your favorite characters between the two books so far?
TAWNY I wiped the blood and sweat from my brow in an over-exaggerated movement. I was beat, tired, overwhelmed, exasperated; as many words, as you can find to explain how broken a will and resolve was, I was it. The aftermath of the carnage I stood amongst, was unimaginable. The streets ran red with blood that was slowly being absorbed by the dry dirt of Cambiador. I looked up to Mason, one of Lamia’s warriors, hoisting yet another body over his shoulder and placing it in the bed of the truck, with the others. 27 trucks lined the main road to the kingdom's heart, each filled with the body of a soldier or a civilian. I wanted to cry for the loss, but I had no tears, not that my tears would do any good. Not now, and not last night. “Mason,” I called to the tall muscular were-cat. “Did you have any luck contacting anyone at MacTire?” He nodded, walking over to me, wiping the mess of grime from his hands onto his blood-soaked jeans. “I spoke with Josiah, he was going to alert Commande
MATHIAS I woke early, my arms still tightly secured around my little wolf. I breathed in her scent, letting the smell of brown sugar and vanilla envelope my senses and caress my beast. ‘She is ours,’ Arcas rumbled proudly. I looked at my sleeping beauty, moving my arm to see my mark positioned beautifully on the swell of her breast. I let my fingers trace the inky-colored bear paw, a crown entwined in the tribal mark. The jolts of electricity zapped through my fingers when I touched it, eliciting a moan from her slightly parted pink lips. My cock began standing to attention, from the innocent sound. I moved over her, parting her legs with my knees in a slow and careful motion, and pushed my cock into her. She was already wet and ready for me, even in her sleep she wanted me. I wasted no time filling her up and began thrusting gently, her body responding with eagerness, as I slowly fucked her awake. “Mathias” She whispered and her eyes fluttered open to meet mine. “Oh yes, baby.” S
KELLEN The Bear King was huge! And I would be lying if I said I wasn’t intimidated by his sheer size and the power rolling off him. Even my father was having a hard time not bending his knee to him, his aura was that strong. I knew they had completed the mating process, I could smell his scent mixed with Lamia’s and I had to bite my tongue. When Mike protested his distaste for her mate, I thought the bear king was going to shift right there and then and rip Mike apart. Mathias was her king, a bear shifter, and she looked happy about it. I think that’s what got me the most. That she looked happy about being mated to the king of bears. A fucking bear! After everything she had gone through, I thought the moon goddess was playing a nasty trick on her. And I hated to admit it but, there was no one better or stronger than him to protect her. Not even me. I didn’t like it not one bit. After our talks, we all headed out of the conference room and towards the pack dining hall, the kitchen
OLIVER For the better part of almost three years, I had been serving my new king, Orion Artos. When Jack told me I hadn’t seen anything yet, the day we left MacTire, the day we left Silas and his torn limbs on the battlefield. The day we lost to the Dire Wolf. I didn’t give his words much thought. I came to find out he was not joking. I had been naive. I never questioned what Silas was doing, or why, or to who he sold the humans and young shifters to. Now I knew. And now they would have wished their only problem was Silas. Silas was evil, but he had nothing on the man who was pulling the strings from the beginning. That day we headed towards a new destination. We traveled for days, heading south to the unclaimed territory of Lewe. Only stopping to gather resources, resources meaning rogue wolves, bears, and cats to join our ranks. Resources also meant capturing and detaining humans, moving them south with us. I wasn’t a hundred percent sure why we were taking all these humans. It
LAMIA “Where are we going?” Mathias asked, as I held his hand and walked through the pack gardens of Golden Circle, towards the cemetery. We had driven straight through to Golden Circle, arriving late in the evening. Brett and Cyrus had greeted us, they were a little wary of the Bear King and even more so when I told them he was my mate. Cyrus couldn’t hold back the look of shock on his face, whereas Brett if he felt anything, you couldn’t tell. Both had been nice and respectful towards Mathias. I think that had more to do with his Aura, than just being decent. Mathias was definitely an intimidating person, his presence alone made shifters want to bare their necks and take a knee, and humans cowered at his larger-than-life stature. I first noticed just how much authority he held when Kellen and his father almost bowed to him. I wasn’t entirely sure if it was because he was my mate, or if it was because of my genes that I did not feel intimidated, nor felt the need to submit. But
LAMIA A couple of days had passed since I had come back to MacTire and every day had been a trying one. I held court and asked my people if they would fight for me, for themselves, and for all shifters and mankind. “There is a new threat, a common enemy who affects all of us! Shifters and humans alike! They have created monsters, monsters that have the capability of wiping out a whole village. Just a few months ago, a Clan, not too far from here, was wiped out. Only one person survived. Several other Clans were attacked in the Kodiak kingdom and many have been wiped out in the kingdom of Cambiador. No kingdom has been spared, and none of us are safe. I ask you, my people, kings, queens, and council members: Will you stand by us and fight as one? Will you fight to defeat a common enemy? Fight for each other to preserve our way of life and our realm?” Cheers and whoops had sounded out before my warriors started to take a knee. One by one, they lowered to the floor to pledge their
KELLEN “What? What is it?” Lamia’s voice was barely audible under the blood that was rushing through my head, between my ears. I looked up at the Bear King, his face a deep shade of red, his silver eyes swirling and angry. Jeez, I hope to the goddess he didn’t get the same message as me, but looking at his shaking body holding Lamia close to him, I knew he had. Shit, this was not good. I moved towards Travis, ready to put myself between him and the hulking man who was going to tear him apart any minute now. I knew he wouldn’t hurt Lamia. Or at least I was hoping he wouldn’t. As if in slow motion, he put Lamia on her feet, and then swung around, catching Travis by the throat. My feet moved fast, but not fast enough. His roar shook the room, dust falling from the ceiling. He had Travis pinned against the wall and I tried to intervene, only to be thrown backward when I touched Mathias’ shoulder. I stumbled to get up, after hitting the wall with such force. “Would somebody please te
KELLEN The ride back to the kingdom would have taken two plus days, but I couldn’t wait another minute to get back there, my worst nightmare had come true. My kingdom had been attacked and I was not there to fight for my people, to defend them. I had failed my people. So I found myself, along with Mike, riding in this goddess damn thing they call ‘Birdie’. The ride was only a couple of hours, much quicker than if we had gone by car, but it still wasn’t fast enough. When Mike and I had come to our senses and realized what was going on, that the new moon pack, the kingdom, was under attack and people were dying, my wolf and I felt it the moment my mother had died. I could feel my father’s anguish through our link, even though we were too far away to talk through it, I could still feel his discomfort. His wolf was weak, but he was alive. We had tried calling, texting, emailing, and mind-linking and we had got nothing. The only thought I had was to get home. Our pack had been attacke
***Thank you, readers, for your continued support and for taking the roller coaster adventure with me through The Delta's Daughter and Rise of a Queen. *** Without YOU, the readers, this wouldn't have been possible. Please remember to leave me a review, I hope you enjoyed this book. For updates and chapter teasers, check my i*st*gr*m >>> authorjwgstout Or my F_B group for readers >>> Author Jwgstout I ask you to please leave me a review Join me for King Kellen's adventure in the third book: More plot twists, romance, and mythology links coming your way. I hope you enjoy this bonus chapter, a little taste of the upcoming book. ***The Gladiator Wolf King - Book 3 OUT NOW and completed*** ***** The Gladiator Wolf King Chapter 1 – Waking Up KING KELLEN I opened my eyes, a nauseating feeling rose from my stomach right up to my throat. My stomach was sloshing and my vision was blurry. I blinked twice, adjusting my eyes to the dark; the only light was from a low-hanging bul
MIKE One week later “Tobias!” I beamed, both Kellen and I stepping out of the car and handing the keys to the valet as we arrived outside of Kings Casino. I shook Tobias' out-stretched hand and took him in for a bro-hug, then he offered his hand to Kellen, who did the same as me. “Are you boys ready to party?” He asked with a huge smile. “Heck yes!” I replied, my smile equally big. Kellen chuckled and shook his head. “Goddess, what have I agreed to? I’m almost scared of hanging out with both of you.” It was my 21st birthday tomorrow and after hearing Lamia rave about Kings Casino and how she wanted to party here for her 21st, telling Tawny how grand the place was and how much fun it looked, I thought, why not? Mathias had told Tobias we could have his suite for the duration of our stay. We would only be here for two nights and then we would head back to the New Moon kingdom, so Kellen could officially take over as king and we had to organize a coronation. I had suggested to
LAMIA “King, and I have decided to make Riocht our permanent home. I want you to come with me and stay as my second in command.” I watched Hunji, looking for any reaction to what I had just said. His face remained a mask of indifference. “King will be asking Tobias the same thing and leaving Xander in charge of the Kodiak kingdom for now.” Still, there was no reaction. “Hunji, say something, please,” I said softly, still trying to coax a reaction from him. The first sign of any emotion was him pulling his lips into a thin line. “Of course, my Queen.” He nodded. “Really, that’s all you have to say, Hunji?” I huffed and rubbed my forehead with my fingers. “If that’s not what you want, then tell me! Forget the formalities for a moment, will you? Could we just have a conversation as friends?” I took a deep breath; his lack of engagement was irking me. It was just him and I in my office. Mathias was helping train the warriors today with Josiah, and Travis was with Rhett overseeing cha
KELLEN I walked back down to the village, cutting across the fields, ready to go home. My goodbye to Lamia playing on my mind, I know she isn’t mine, but it still doesn’t make me love her any less. I needed to say what I did, and my wolf was in agreement. I have tried to let her go, and I did, for a while. When Zane died, all I wanted to do was be there for her, but she left. She left me. Once upon a time, she told me she would never leave me. I saw the way she looked at King. I chuckled at the thought, even his name is king! The love she held in her eyes for him. I knew Lamia loved, loves, me, but she had never had that look in her eye, not for me and not for Zane. The look of true love. I couldn’t help but give her one last kiss when I went to say goodbye to her. It was amazing how there were still light tingles when I brushed my lips against hers. I reveled in them, for however brief that kiss was. I wasn’t saying good bye, I was letting her go. It was time to let go of my l
1 WEEK LATER LAMIA After the anti-climax of mine and Mathias' crowning, we were still at Riocht. There was so much to organize and we hadn’t even scratched the surface. My father and Uncle Michael had already left for New Moon, taking with them a majority of their army, leaving Kellen and Mike with us and a hand full of Elite warriors. Crimson took the were-cat army home, ready to rebuild their kingdom. The were-cats had suffered the most, more than any other kingdom. Tobias left with the Kodiak Kingdoms army and took a slowly healing Finnegan with them. I was sure he would be thrown in the cells and questioned once he was awake. I didn’t know much about Finnegan Artos, but Petra had taken a liking to him and was very concerned for the violet-eyed were-bear. Hunji stayed behind with me, but Travis and Rhett returned to MacTire with the majority of the army also. And even though Petra wanted to stay, Travis put his foot down, taking her and Xander with them, who was anxious to ge
LAMIA “Why didn’t you heal?” The concern in Mathias' voice was sweet, although he looked annoyed as his eyes raked my body inspecting the wounds on my arms and back, holding on to me for dear life, eliciting little sparks of joy to dance across my skin. I reached out to Inanna ‘Inanna, why didn’t you heal me?’ I was met with silence. I didn’t have an answer for Mathias. I shook my head at Mathias, telling him without words, that I didn’t know. “Where are you hurt?” I questioned him instead. “Nowhere baby, I healed.” He replied after biting his wrist and letting the blood drip onto and into my wounds, allowing them to begin healing immediately. I wasn’t the only one who had blood that could heal, it seems. I took a quick look around, and no one else seemed surprised, but Mike and Travis did give a couple of raised eyebrows. I wasn't sure what their looks were meant to convey, so I just gave them a tight-lipped smile. “Lamia!” My father came rushing to my side; he was wearing one
FINNEGAN 2 Hours before the battle I was tasked to provide the crawlers, who we were able to move up the narrow river in containers on smaller boats, with clothing that had been stolen from the various kingdoms. Orion had spies in every kingdom, sleeper cells, that he used when he needed information or objects. Hence, the clothing we had of Lamia’s and King Kellen’s. The crawlers would hone in on the smell like wild trackers and, once given the command by Orion, would seek out that scent, their only goal: To bring down the owner. Orion and the bitch Shayna had set up a command base inside Riocht’s palace. After throwing in the clothing, I made my way back to the white-washed open squared building. My father wanted to keep me close, in case things went sideways for him and he needed me. What he didn't know, was that no matter the cost, I would help kill him. I scratched the back of my neck, feeling the metal chip underneath my skin that attached to my cervical spine at the base
LAMIA Riocht was beautiful. The palace was built in white limestone. The central rise in the elevation of the building emphasized the main portico, which was framed by five symmetrical exterior arches. On the ledge are statues carved from either marble or the same limestone. Each statue, situated in the arches, was of a god or goddess standing with an animal. There was the Goddess Morrigans, with her wolf by her side, and one of Arcas, who I recognized right away because he was carved standing with a bear, the exact copy of Mathias’ beast. I saw the goddess Bastat, a large puma-looking feline woven around her legs. The one of Selene, the moon goddess, was unlike the one at The New Moon palace. There she was portrayed with a wolf, but here she was carved into a beautiful mother figure, with children by her feet, looking up at her in awe. Next to her was a large man, also with a wolf, regal looking and powerful. Then I saw her, the goddess Inanna. She stood front and center, a large
LAMIA It was now 4 days until Orion’s deadline, four days until the full moon, the day he told us to be at Riocht if we wanted to see Petra alive again. The little girl had been on my mind since the night Orion attacked MacTire. And every time I thought about her, my chest pulled tight. I felt guilty she had been put in this position. She was only ten years old and had already endured so much heartache, she didn’t deserve to be put through this. My eyes pooled with tears as I thought of how unfair and cruel life had been to her. I prayed to the Moon Goddess every night to keep her safe from harm until I had her in my arms. The dirt path we initially had followed was consistent and seemed to be taking us straight to the heart of the lost city. We definitely wouldn’t have been able to get any vehicles through here. Even though the worn road was still visible, it was overgrown with centuries of forestry and shrubs, so thick in some places that we had to cut them down using our swords